Rebecca Foster

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under the sun…”

Ecclesiastes 3: 4-8

A Time To Be Born and A Time To Die

Rebecca Foster was born on March 26, 1933 to the late Sara Jane Chisolm and Elloss Wylie. She was the second eldest sister of twelve children. Several of Rebecca’s siblings preceded her in death. God in His infinite wisdom called our beloved Rebecca Foster to eternal rest on Wednesday, July 30th at her home surrounded by family her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchild, and other close family members.

A Time To Plant

Rebecca was educated in Fairfield County, South Carolina and Baltimore City, Maryland.  Her Christian walk was always at the forefront of her daily journey throughout her life.  Rebecca accepted Christ and was baptized at Red Hill Baptist Church in South Carolina, under the leadership of the late Rev. Charles Lane. After relocating to Baltimore, MD, Rebecca became a devoted member of New Pilgrim Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Witt Black.  In 1982, she became one of the founding members of Greater Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church and joined under the leadership of the late Rev. J.R. Halsey.

A Time To Love

On November 28, 1954, Rebecca Wiley married the love of her life, Thomas N. Foster after his return from the army, and from this union six children were born Yvonne, Thomasine, Elloss, Thomas, Sonya and Ray.

A Time To Build Up

After the passing of her beloved husband, Rebecca was employed in the Baltimore City Public School system. In 1992, after more than twenty years of service, she retired from BCPS. Although Rebecca retired from her day job, she was committed to serving her family, church, and community.  She was indeed a laborer in God’s fields, serving as a Deaconess, The Willing Workers Committee and choir, under Dr. Reginald Thomas’ leadership at Greater Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church.  Rebecca and her sisters were great cooks too. In order to help with the expenses of the new church building, they skillfully collaborated in the kitchen to sell dinners, which proved to be financially beneficial in helping offset some of the church’s expenses. Rebecca was a member of the Morgan State University Women Club. She wanted to meet the President of the University, Dr. David Wilson.  On October 21, 2018, she got her wish and a picture.  One of the highlights of her this experience was meeting, Dr. Dorothy Irene Height.  While talking with each other, they realized they had a lot in common when talking about the ‘Old South.”

A Time To Embrace

Rebecca loved to go out with her daughters and adopted daughters shopping, dining and to social affairs.  She was stylish and always impeccably dressed for every occasion.  Her daughters kept her styled in the latest fashions and no matter her age, “a style star.” She loved teaching her daughters the recipes and techniques for cooking her famous pound cakes and sweet potato pies.

A Time To Weep

Rebecca was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas; sons, Elloss and Ray. She is now rejoicing in external peace with her loved ones and our Heavenly Father.

A Time To Break Down

Rebecca was a petite little lady but strong in spirit with a body that rebounded back from several physical setbacks. However, over the last few years, her strength started to decline but she never stopped fighting. God saw that it was time to leave her earthly home.

A Time To Mourn

Rebecca leaves to mourn four devoted children, Yvonne (Vernard), Thomasine (Dana), Thomas (Sharron), Sonya (Cornell) daughter in law, Yvonne Three loving sisters, Doretha, Jessie, and Estelle. Adopted daughters, Pearl, Debbie, Maxine, Barbara and Bee-Bee. Goddaughters, Jerlyn and Reneat. Twelve Grandchildren; 3 proceeded in death, twenty-two great-grandchildren, and one great great granddaughter.